Aquaculture is an incredible oppor-‘tuna’-ity for soybean meal use.

As demand for soybeans continues to rise in new ways, market diversification is as important as ever before. Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is proud to work with the Soy Aquaculture Alliance (SAA) to continue exploring this market space. SAA coordinates the aquaculture research priorities to increase demand for soy in fish and shrimp diets.

This group continues to work hard to research inclusion rates in aquaculture rations. Recently, the ISA Market Development team, along with our voting board members, travelled to Ankeny, Iowa to attend SAA board meetings. These days of interaction included voting on funding for the upcoming year, discussing new opportunities for SAA to be involved in aquaculture research nationwide, networking, and fun!

The SAA includes representatives from various sponsoring states, including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Virgina, South Dakota, Kansas, Kentucky, and of course national groups; WISHH, ASA, and USB. The group participated in board meetings Monday and a board experience day Tuesday, which included touring the World Food Prize in Des Moines, Smash Park, and an Iowa Cubs game. Not only does this group value soy’s role in the aquaculture industry, but one another’s leadership and friendship.

A great time was had by all, and innovative work is coming from SAA!